Emergencies

On September 8, 2023, Morocco was struck by an earthquake of enormous amplitude, leading to the death of more than 3,000 people and thousands more injured and without shelter. Six months on, and the humanitarian situation is still very tense with significant needs still not met.

Christine Robichon is the President of “Solidarity with Turkey and Syria” Committee. Volunteer experts created this committee in the very first days following the earthquakes, enabling it to set out priorities, create partnerships and examine requests for funding. She tells us of her active involvement with Fondation de France.

Depuis deux ans, la Fondation de France intervient pour venir en aide aux populations en Ukraine et aux personnes réfugiées. Face à un conflit qui s’enlise, elle a adapté sa stratégie, en soutenant des partenaires clés qui agissent au plus près des besoins et s’engagent dans la durée.

On February 6, 2023, southern Turkey and northern Syria were struck by two huge earthquakes, leading to the death of more than 50,000 people, and hundreds of thousands more injured and without shelter. One year on and the humanitarian situation is still worrying and basic needs remain significant in both countries. 

Fondation de France supports more than 50 projects across the two countries, by responding to the emergency. Priority aid is brought to the most vulnerable: children, women, people who are elderly or disabled and those from isolated or minority areas.

In the first few weeks following the disaster, emergency assistance was deployed straight away in the many areas affected. Nonprofits on the ground, such as Migrations & Développement – a Fondation de France partner, are backed by a significant network of local village associations.

On September 19, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive against the Nagorna-Karabakh enclave – with a population largely made up of Armenians – causing the mass exodus of around 100,000 people into Armenia. In order to help people who are already very vulnerable after months of blockades, Fondation de France launched a call for funds, in partnership with France Télévision on October 3. To date, 400,000 euros has been raised.

A year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the country’s humanitarian situation is catastrophic. Fondation de France remains mobilized.

On February 6, 2023, two massive earthquakes struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, leading to the death of more than 16,000 people, and thousands more injured, as well as large-scale destruction. The number of casualties is rising by the hour. As of today, Fondation de France, which is already active in the region, is releasing 100,000 euros and launching an appeal for donations to reinforce its work in the field and provide emergency relief to the victims.

For more than eight months, Fondation de France has stepped in and come to the aid of people affected by the conflict. As the latter turns into a war of attrition, we focus on changing needs and new initiatives.